Foldable tray

ABSTRACT

The claimed subject matter provides a folding tray that includes a hygienic surface within the internal portion that is shielded from contamination in a folded configuration. The folding tray includes two symmetrical halves joined by a spine that allows the folding tray to close. The folding tray can include one or more inserted surfaces overlapping at least a portion of the two symmetrical halves on one side of the folding tray. The inserted surfaces can be folded into the folding tray in a folded state. The inserted surfaces can be removable or include a plurality of stacked sheets that are individually removable. The folding tray can be used to isolate materials on the tray from contaminants under the tray, or protect a material beneath the tray from contaminants on the tray.

In general, the invention relates to a foldable tray. More particularly,the invention relates to a foldable tray that can be folded forportability. Most particularly, the invention relates to a portable,foldable tray including removable inserts allowing for a clean internalsurface upon removal after use.

The invention relates to a folding foldable tray including two or moresections joined by one or more spines that facilitates folding of ahygienic surface within the foldable tray. In an embodiment, a portablefoldable tray can comprise a foldable housing comprising at least afirst section and a second section, one or more spines connecting thefirst section and the second section at one or more spine widths, and afoldable internal surface that overlaps a first internal side of thefirst section and a second internal side of the second section, whereinthe foldable internal surface folds along a portion that coincides withthe one or more spines.

In a particular embodiment, a folding tray can include a first foldingtray component, a second folding tray component, a first pair of insertfasteners symmetrically affixed to an internal portion of the firstfolding tray component, a second pair of insert fasteners symmetricallyaffixed to an internal portion of the second folding tray component, afirst fold fastener affixed to an external edge of the first foldingtray component, a second fold fastener affixed to an external edge ofthe second folding tray component configured to couple with the firstfold fastener, a central spine symmetrically connecting the firstfolding tray component and the second folding tray component, an insertshell including two pairs of mating fasteners configured to couple withthe first pair of insert fasteners and second pair of insert fasteners,and a plurality of insert sheets configured to be stacked in the insertshell.

Aspects herein can further include a method for making a folding tray,comprising forming a folding tray housing including at least a firstsection, a second section, and a spine. The method can further includeattaching one or more fasteners to the folding tray housing andproviding one or more inserts that overlap at least a portion of aninterior side of the folding tray housing.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detailcertain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter. Theseaspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways inwhich the principles of the innovation may be employed and the claimedsubject matter is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the claimed subjectmatter will become apparent from the following detailed description ofthe innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate various perspective views of an exampleembodiment of a foldable tray in accordance with aspects herein.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and back views of an example embodimentof a foldable tray in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of afoldable tray in accordance with aspects herein.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and back views of an example embodimentof a foldable tray in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example embodiment of a foldable traywith an internal surface in accordance with aspects herein.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate front and back views of an example embodimentof a surface for use with a foldable tray in accordance with aspectsherein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate open and closed views of an exampleembodiment of a multi-spine foldable tray in accordance with aspectsherein.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate unfolded and folded views of an exampleembodiment of a two-spine foldable tray in accordance with aspectsherein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of an example embodiment of amethodology for making a foldable tray in accordance with aspectsherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A foldable tray according to the present invention may be used inconnection with various environments where it is desired to avoidcontact between an available surface and materials on the tray. Forexample, with respect to the foldable tray's use as a food tray, analternative eating surface (e.g., restaurant table) may not besufficiently clean to place food onto directly, or a desire may exist toavoid dirtying the alternative eating surface (e.g., leather-inlaidtable). Aspects or particular applications can be directed toward thefeeding of small children outside the home. However, other applicationswill be appreciated upon study of the disclosures herein. A foldabletray as described may be used in any number of environments to guardagainst contaminating an item on the tray, or an item on which the trayrests. For example, a foldable tray in accordance with the invention canprevent paint drips from staining a table where an article smaller thanthe foldable tray is being painted or drying. In another embodiment, afoldable tray can be employed in conjunction with a material such asclay or dough to prevent dirt from an unclean surface becoming embeddedin the material. These are only examples, and references to particularfunctions herein should not be considered limiting.

In embodiments, the foldable tray may be portable and include twosymmetrical sides of a folding (or otherwise collapsible) housing. Whenthe housing is folded, the housing may resemble a book, including acenter spine that can permit the folding of the halves of the housingand various three-dimensional layers between the halves. In embodiments,respective halves can be shaped such that the housing may resemble aclam shell. As will be appreciated, embodiments herein can omit itemsdiscussed, and a clamshell configuration can be adapted herein with orwithout the use of a spine, or using a smaller or different spine (e.g,hinge, bendable member) than is used in other embodiments. When folded,the foldable tray may be reduced to a size that facilitates easy storageor carriage. The foldable tray can include, evenly overlapping thetray's symmetrical sides and foldable therewith, an internal surfacethat is shielded from external contamination until the tray is unfoldedto serve as an easily portable place-mat that can, for example, reducecleaning burden.

As discussed, an internal surface of the foldable tray is retained inthe foldable tray remains substantially static with respect to the twosides of the foldable. The internal surface can be cleanable and/orremovable. In aspects, the internal surface can include multiplesub-components that can be separately removable. For example, theinternal surface can include a pack of stacked disposable sheets. As asheet becomes dirtied, it can be removed and discarded, and a new, cleansheet can be staged underneath the discarded sheet in the stack forimmediate use. Upon exhaustion of the stack, the internal surface (orthe pack previously containing the sheets) can be removed and discardeditself, and a new internal surface can be inserted with a new stack ofdisposable sheets. The sheets can be, for example, impermeable, and/orgreaseproof, to facilitate their use with various foods or othercontaminants such that materials do not soak through to more than atop-layer sheet and can be contained effectively on removal of thetop-layer sheet. Sheets can additionally be biodegradable, recyclable,of recycled material, or constructed of particular materials to ensurethey do not contain materials harmful to eat from and are appropriatefor responsible disposal.

While particular materials (e.g., paper, plastic, and so forth) or means(e.g., folds, hinges, and so forth) are discussed for use in theconstruction of various components herein, it is to be appreciated thatmaterials or means described are interchangeable, and that suchdiscussion is intended for purposes of example only. Descriptions ofmaterials, dimensions, construction, and so forth are not exclusive orexhaustive, and, in embodiments, any suitable material or means can beemployed. In particular embodiments, dishwasher safe materials can beused in conjunction with one or more components disclosed herein. Forexample, a foldable tray can have an internal surface removed and beplaced in a dishwasher (or otherwise be exposed to wet, high-temperatureand/or soap or chemical cleaning) In another example, the internalsurface can be placed in a dishwasher independently or with the foldabletray.

As used herein, “internal” and “external” can refer to particularcomponents that can be respectively inside or outside of a folding traywhen the tray is in a folded position. Similarly, “top” and “bottom” canbe the portions of the folding tray that can be respectively up or downwhen the folding tray is in an unfolded position and placed for use suchthat the internal portion can be accessible and the external portion canbe in contact with some extrinsic support. The top can accordinglycorresponds to the internal portion, and the bottom can correspond tothe external portion.

The claimed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however,that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subjectinnovation.

Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to oneembodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one ormore other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of thefeatures of the other embodiments. These and further aspects andfeatures will be apparent with reference to the following descriptionand attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particularembodiments of the subject innovation have been disclosed in detail asbeing indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of thesubject innovation may be employed, but it is understood that thesubject innovation is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, thesubject innovation includes all changes, modifications and equivalentscoming within the scope of the claims appended hereto. The accompanyingillustrations are examples of the subject disclosure, but the innovationcan appear in various embodiments depending on, for example, varyingtray sizes and personal customizations that are not illustrated here.

Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modificationsmay be made to this configuration without departing from the scope orspirit of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, the word “exemplary” isused herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration.Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarilyto be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects ordesigns. It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising”when used in this specification is taken to indicate the presence ofstated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,components or groups thereof.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate perspective views of a foldable tray 100 accordingto embodiments of the invention. Foldable tray 100 is shown folded inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. When folded, internal surfaces of foldable tray100 can be isolated from external contact and/or contamination. Foldabletray 100 can include foldable housing first half 110, foldable housingsecond half 120, center spine 130, and soft discs 111 and 112. Inembodiments, foldable tray 100 can further include folding lock 131.

In embodiments, foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housingsecond half 120 can be substantially symmetrical (except, inembodiments, for mating fasteners for which opposite components exist oneach respective component). Foldable housing first half 110, foldablehousing second half 120, center spine 130, and/or other components offoldable tray 100 can be made of, for example, silicone sheets. Inembodiments, silicone sheets can be from one-sixteenth of an inch toone-eighth of one inch thick. Other thicknesses are possible withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention. Further, varyingportions or components of foldable tray 100 need not be constructed ofthe same material or to the same thickness. In embodiments, othermaterials or combinations of materials can be used. For example, a thinsheet of cardboard or wood can be used for one or more components. Inanother example, a thin sheet of cardboard or wood used can be furtherwrapped in plastic or rubber for one or more components. In embodiments,foldable tray 100 or various components thereof can be made of soft orflexible materials (e.g., cloths, bendable plastics, and so forth).These and other examples can be used in accordance with the disclosuresherein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housing second half 120 canbe offset by the distance of center spine 130. Center spine 130 canallow foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housing second half120 (as well as materials overlapping, there between, or within) to foldneatly together. Center spine 130 can include two folds capable ofpermitting foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housing secondhalf 120 to rotate at least 90 degrees each with respect to center spine130 such that the two portions can meet or touch when foldable tray 100is folded. In embodiments, center spine 130 can include one or morehinges, pivots, or other alternatives to facilitate folding of foldabletray 100.

In embodiments, foldable tray 100 can include folding lock 131. Foldinglock 131 can be a means for maintaining foldable tray 100 in a foldedposition. In embodiments, folding lock 131 can be a button, snap, clasp,magnet, hook-and-loop contact point, et cetera, that reinforces contactbetween foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housing second half120, maintaining foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housingsecond half 120 in a closed position when foldable tray 100 is folded.In embodiments, folding lock 131 can include a tether or other extenderthat extends around a portion of foldable tray 100 (e.g., a dimension ofspine 130). Folding lock 131, or similar aspects, can be referred toherein as a fold closure and/or fold fastener.

In embodiments (not pictured), a folding lock 131 can include a zipper.The zipper can extend along one or more portions of one side of foldabletray 100, along one or more entire sides of foldable tray 100, orentirely around open portions of foldable tray 100. In a specificembodiment, the zipper can surround foldable housing first half 110 andfoldable housing second half 120 to the ends of center spine 130, andcan fully seal the portion of foldable tray 100 inside the fold when thezipper is entirely zipped. In an alternative embodiment, center spine130 can be omitted, and foldable housing first half 110 and foldablehousing second half 120 can completely detach from one another when thezipper is completely unzipped. Other possibilities (e.g., flexiblecenter spine or lanyard between detachable parts of foldable tray 100 inconjunction with a zipper) will be appreciated upon study of thedisclosures herein.

Various embodiments of foldable tray 100 can include first outer spine116 and second outer spine 126. First outer spine 116 and second outerspine 126 can act as spines for additional folding members, as flangesto retain members inserted in foldable tray 100, and/or as flanges thatblock contaminants from entering through gaps between foldable housingfirst half 110 and foldable housing second half 120 when folded.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, foldable tray 100 is shown unfolded.Center spine 130 is visible centered between foldable housing first half110 and foldable housing second half 120. Folding lock 131 is shownmirrored by folding lock 131′ which can be a second portion of foldinglock 131 disposed on an opposite portion of foldable tray 100.

Foldable tray 100 can further include surface 150 that is isolated fromcontamination at least while foldable tray 100 is in a folded state.Surface 150 can span across foldable housing first half 110, centerspine 130, and foldable housing second half 120.

Shown connected to foldable housing first half 110 and foldable housingsecond half 120, respectively, are first retaining leg 115 and secondretaining leg 125. First retaining leg 115 and second retaining leg 125can be offset from and/or be folded into foldable housing first half 110and foldable housing second half 120 by first outer spine 116 and secondouter spine 126, respectively. First retaining leg 115 and secondretaining leg 125 can at least retain or cover a portion of surface 150.

In FIG. 2A, soft discs 111, 112, 121, and 122 are visible on theback/bottom (e.g., when unfolded) or exterior portion (e.g., whenfolded) of foldable tray 100. Soft discs 111, 112, 121, and 122 canprevent foldable tray 100 from sliding or shifting when placed on asmooth surface by providing points of contact with increased friction.Soft discs can be an example of an item referred to as a bumperelsewhere herein. In addition to preventing sliding, bumpers can beutilized to dampen impacts such as the closure of foldable tray 100.Bumpers can function standalone or be mirrored by other bumpers thatcontact one another when the surfaces to which the bumpers are affixedcome within two bumpers' widths of one another.

In embodiments, foldable tray 100 can include flanges (not shown)projecting from one or more edges of foldable housing first half 110,foldable housing second half 120, center spine 130, or other components.The flanges can project inward and contact one another when foldabletray 100 is in a folded state, and project upward when foldable tray 100is in an unfolded state and placed flat on level support. Flanges can besubstantially perpendicular to a plane defined by at least a portion offoldable housing first half 110 and/or foldable housing second half 120.The flanges can retain material placed onto foldable tray 100 andprevent the material from leaving foldable tray 100 when moved around aninternal surface of foldable tray 100. For example, a young childattempting to eat food from foldable tray 100 may have trouble grippingthe food and push the food around foldable tray 100. The flanges canprevent the food from being pushed off the tray, which could otherwiseobviate desired results of the tray's use.

Turning now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of foldable tray 100 is shownwherein first retaining leg 115 and second retaining leg 125 can berotated approximately 270 degrees (or an amount appropriate to supportfoldable tray 100) to elevate or raise foldable tray 100. In alternativeembodiments (not shown), various other elevating components can beintegrated into foldable tray 100 (in addition to or in lieu of firstretaining leg 115 and second retaining leg 125) without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention. For example, folding, collapsible,or otherwise stow-able legs can be mounted on the external surfaces offoldable housing first half 110 and/or foldable housing second half 120.Elevating components can generally be referred to herein as risers. Inembodiments, risers can be stowed, facilitating convenient folding offoldable tray 100.

Despite the forgoing, in alternative embodiments, first retaining leg115 and second retaining leg 125 may not be configured to supportfoldable tray 100 in an elevated position, and may exist exclusively toretain or cover at least a portion of surface 150. Different embodimentsherein can restrict or permit rotation of first retaining leg 115 andsecond retaining leg 125 in various ways, but an amount of rotation doesnot necessitate configuration of first retaining leg 115 and secondretaining leg 125 for elevating foldable tray 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, illustrated is an alternative embodimentof a tray 400 as disclosed herein. Tray 400 can include first half 410,second half 420, spine 430, catch 431 (and, in embodiments, 431′), andsurface fasteners 413, 414, 423, and 424. In addition, embodiments oftray 400 can include texturing 417 and 427 (e.g., be textured withknurling, recesses, soft discs, rubberization, and other aspects). FIG.4A illustrates the inside/top of unfolded tray 400, and FIG. 4Billustrates the outside/bottom of unfolded tray 400.

Surface fasteners 413, 414, 423, and 424 can be used to attach a surface(e.g., for eating, working, et cetera) to an interior (when folded) ortop (when unfolded and placed on a flat plane) portion of tray 400,first half 410, and/or second half 420. In embodiments, surfacefasteners 413, 414, 423, and 424 can be one or more of ball-and-socketfasteners, snapping buttons (e.g., press-snap buttons, spring-snapbuttons, cherry buttons, prong-snap buttons, various post/socketconfigured buttons, and others), hook-and-loop arrangements, buckles,clasps (springing, fold-over, claw, toggle, barrel, insert, and others),zippers, et cetera. In such embodiments, a surface to be attached caninclude a mating portion that connects with surface fasteners 413, 414,423, and 424. For example, a surface can have a receiver for aball-and-socket fastener, a respective male or female portion of a snapbutton, or others in accordance with the herein. Such multi-partfasteners can be referred to as comprising, for example, fastener firstparts and fasteners second parts, as well as other subsequent parts. Inalternative or complementary embodiments, surface fasteners 413, 414,423, and/or 424 can include components that retain the surface withoutrequiring a mating portion on the surface. Such aspects can be referredto as fixed retaining members. For example, various layers to corners orsides, clips, clamps, slides, and other retainers can be employed suchthat all portions required for one or more of surface fasteners 413,414, 423, and 424 (or one particular fastening means of surfacefasteners 413, 414, 423, and 424 where multiple means are employed) toretain a surface are contained exclusively on first half 410 and/orsecond half 420, and do not require mating portions on internalsurfaces. For example, corners or other portions of the surface can betucked under one or more fixed retaining members. In another example,one or more portions of the surface can be punched in to retainingrecesses that can include rigid geometry (e.g., eyelet-type) and/orflexible members (e.g., rubber or plastic grippers that including acover slit in multiple directions above a recess that catch on aninserted material). These fasteners can be reconfigurable (e.g., moveslide, slide from under clip or fold, open clasp) to allow removaland/or replacement of retained objects.

FIG. 4B shows the back/bottom of unfolded tray 400, which may face awayfrom a user when tray 400 is in use (e.g., open and placed). First half410 can include texturing 417, and second half can include texturing427. Texturing 417 and 427 can include knurling, rubberizing, or otherconfigurations or treatments intended to prevent movement of tray 400when opened on smooth surfaces. In embodiments, only a portion of theexterior side of first half 410 and/or second half 420 includestexturing 417 and/or 427. In alternative embodiments, texturing 417and/or 427 can cover an entire portion of the exterior/bottom of tray400, including first half 410, second half 420, and spine 430. Variousalternative or complementary embodiments can include various patterns oftexturing 417 and 427, and can include multiple types of texturing orother stabilizing means (e.g., soft discs, adhesives, suction cups, andothers) used in a single apparatus.

FIG. 5 illustrates tray 400 including surface 450 inserted. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, means for fastening surface 450 to first half 410and second half 420 are obscured by overlap of surface 450 with otheraspects of tray 400. As shown, surface 450 can cover at least a portionof both first half 410 and second half 420, and can fold in place whentray 400 is folded. A maximum thickness of surface 450 can be used todetermine an appropriate dimension of spine 430 to facilitate folding oftray 400.

In embodiments, surface 450 can include replaceable sheets 456. In suchembodiments, surface 450 and similar aspects can be referred to as acutaway retainer. Replaceable sheets 456 can be a plurality of cleansheets stacked, such that when one is removed, a new clean sheet isavailable immediately underneath. Surface 450 can be a retaining portionfor replaceable sheets 456. In support of using replaceable sheets 456,surface 450 can include cutaway 455 to allow at least a portion ofreplaceable sheets 456 to be exposed and facilitate removal of a sheetamong replaceable sheets 456. In embodiments, the exposed portion can bethe usable portion of, for example, an eating surface. The eatingsurface can be the exposed area of a replaceable sheet. While eating isa function of the present innovation, such aspects are not intended toexclude others. In embodiments, a flap, cover, or seal (not pictured)can be used in conjunction with cutaway 455 to cover replaceable sheets456.

In embodiments, replaceable sheets 456 can be included on a roll (notpictured). For example, a roll sized to be accommodated by the spine ofa foldable tray can be placed near a spine and facilitate a replaceablesheet surface, where replacing the surface can include disposing of theold portion and rolling out a new portion. In embodiments, replaceablesheets 456 can be connected (e.g., either in a roll or flat-foldedconfiguration) as one continuous sheet or a series of perforated sheets.In still alternative embodiments, replaceable sheets 456 can bephysically separate sheets that are folded and partially overlapped suchthat a sheet is repositioned upon removal of another sheet above saidsheet.

In alternative embodiments, surface 450 need not include replaceablesheets 456, and may be a removable surface that can be cleaned orreplaced singly.

In various embodiments of tray 400, one or more portions can beconstructed of soft materials (e.g., foam, contained uncompressed fiber,rubber, and others). In alternative or complementary embodiments,softening attachments made at least in part of soft materials can beaffixed (not shown) to various edges or portions of components of tray400. Soft materials can be used to avoid, for example, damage to tray400 (e.g., if dropped, slammed shut, et cetera) and/or harm to users(e.g., fingers closed in tray 400, head contacts tray 400, et cetera).

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of surface 450 for use with a foldabletray in greater detail. Surface 450 can include shell 451, cutaway 455,and replaceable sheets 456. In embodiments, surface 450 can includeattachment points 461, 462, 463, and 464, for securing at least aportion of surface 450 to a tray. Attachment points 461, 462, 463, and464 can be disposed on a side opposite cutaway 455 and/or primary accessto replaceable sheets 456 on surface 450. In embodiments, surface 450can be removed and replaced when replaceable sheets 456 are exhausted.In alternative embodiments, attachments points 461, 462, 463, and 464are permanent attachments, and surface 450 can remain in a traypermanently. In such embodiments, replaceable sheets 456 can be replacedinto the same shell 451 instead of replacing all of surface 450. Inembodiments, one or more of surface 450, shell 451, and replaceablesheets 456 can be referred to as “inserts,” and associated componentscan be insert components (e.g., insert fasteners that fasten the insertsto a foldable tray).

Replaceable sheets 456 can be, for example, various combinations ofpapers (e.g., parchment, cotton fiber, plain), polymers (e.g., plastic,rubber, silicone), waxes, metals, and others. In embodiments,replaceable sheets 456 can be paper-thin sheets of material that areconstructed, coated, or lined, on one or both sides, with variousmaterials to provide desired performance. For example, materials thatare impermeable (e.g., fluids or gases do not pass-through or destroythe material), greaseproof, resistant to tearing, resistant todeformation in heat or cold, nonreactive, and/or biodegradable can beused or combined. In embodiments, additional materials can be included(e.g., absorptive layer or padding) to better adapt to particularapplications of replaceable sheets 456. In embodiments, replaceablesheets 456 can be cleanable and/or reusable (e.g., dishwasher-safe,laundry-safe, hand-washable, and others) and can be replaced into shell451 for repeated uses after cleaning. In other embodiments, replaceablesheets 456 are designed for disposal after one or more uses and/orexposures. In embodiments of techniques described herein, multipleversions or types of replaceable sheets 456 can be used with a singletray apparatus. For example, different types of replaceable sheets 456(e.g., some paper-plastic combination, some paper-only) can be madeavailable separately or in combined packs (e.g., shell 451 containsalternating or different types of replaceable sheets 456) that are allcompatible with the same tray.

While the foregoing has primarily been directed toward at leastpartially symmetrical, single-spine embodiments, alternatives arecognizable under the disclosures herein. Turning to FIGS. 7A and 7B,illustrated are open and closed views of an example embodiment of amulti-spine foldable tray 500 in accordance with aspects herein. Asshown, multi-spine foldable tray 500 can include two spines 540 and 550for a tri-fold configuration. While FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate atri-fold configuration, four-fold or higher order fold configurations(e.g., with all folds parallel, with non-parallel folds) can also berealized in accordance with the disclosures herein.

Multi-spine foldable tray 500 can include first section 510, secondsection 520, and third section 530. First section 510, second section520, and third section 530 can be connected by spines 540 and 550. Inembodiments, a surface (e.g., surface 540) can be configured to overlayat least one of first section 510, second section 520, and third section530. A surface can be retained in a position that overlays at least oneof first section 510, second section 520, and third section 530, forexample, through use of one or more of attachments points 511, 512, 521,522, 531, and/or 532.

Multi-spine foldable tray 500 can further include closure 513 to securemulti-spine foldable tray 500 in a closed position. While FIGS. 7A and7B show closure 513 attached to at least first section 510, it is to beappreciated that closure 513 can be located on any component orsubcomponent of multi-spine foldable tray 500. In additional orcomplementary embodiments, friction increasing attachments 541 and 542can reduce the likelihood of multi-spine foldable tray 500 displacingagainst smooth materials when opened as in FIG. 7A. In the illustratedembodiment, friction increasing attachments 541 and 542 are shown on anexterior portion of spine 540. It is to be appreciated that in variousembodiments, friction increasing attachments 541 and 542 can be locatedon any exterior portion of multi-spine foldable tray 500.

While multi-spine foldable tray 500 shows first section 510, secondsection 520, and third section 530 that substantially overlay oneanother when multi-spine foldable tray 500 is folded, it is to beappreciated that asymmetrical configurations can be accomplished withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the innovation. FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate unfolded and folded views of an example embodiment of atwo-spine foldable tray 600 in accordance with aspects herein. As shown,two-spine foldable tray 600 can include first section 610, secondsection 620, and third section 630 attached by spines 640 and 650.Two-spine foldable tray 600 can further include internal surface 660 andclosure 611. As shown in FIG. 8B, at least second section 620 is largerthan one or more of first section 610 and third section 630.Accordingly, first section 610 and third section 630 can have a partialoverlap or meet along a line overlapping second section 620 whentwo-spine foldable tray 600 is in a folded configuration.

Various alternative configurations to those illustrated can be utilizedwithout departing from the disclosed innovation. For example, techniquesemploying three or more folds, techniques employing multiple folddirections (e.g., sections fold about perpendicular axes) and additionalstructural designs (e.g., accordion-type spines, shells, and/or othercomponents to accommodate multiple widths) can all be utilized herein.In embodiments, multiple surfaces can be included in a single foldabletray, and/or a foldable tray can unfold in multiple directions formultiple simultaneous uses (e.g., two persons eating from the samefoldable tray but on different surfaces, different materials placed atopdifferent surfaces, and others).

Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a block diagram of an examplemethodology 900 for making a foldable tray as described herein.Methodology 900 can start at 902 and proceed to 904, when a frame isformed. Forming of the frame can include cutting a single shape from amaterial to be formed into the frame, cutting multiple parts of a frameseparately for attachment (e.g., respective halves, spines, and others),molding the shape or shapes to be formed into the frame (e.g., injectplastic into shaped molds), and others. If the frame is in multipleportions, the frame's portions can be attached. If the frame is in asingle portion, the portion can be bent, folded, or otherwise shaped tothe geometries of the frame. While various techniques can be added,removed, or otherwise intervene, forming of the frame at 904 ultimatelyproduces a frame for use with a foldable tray in accordance withdisclosures herein. In embodiments, knurling or texturing can beperformed on one or more portions of the frame at 904.

At 906, various securing means can be attached to the frame. Forexample, various snaps, clamps, hooks, et cetera can be attached tovarious portions of the formed frame to facilitate retention of one ormore inserts, securing the frame in a folded or unfolded state, andother ends. In embodiments, additional aspects can be attached (e.g.,soft discs, suction cups, aesthetic elements such as decals, softcomponents or attachments, and others) at 906 as well.

At 908, one or more inserts can be provided for use with the formedframe. For example, a surface can be provided for use in a foldabletray. In embodiments, the surface can be a removable surface that can bereplaced or cleaned independently. In embodiments, the surface caninclude a plurality of replaceable sheets, and the surface can bereplaced with a new surface of new replaceable sheets at a later time.After providing the surface at 908, methodology 900 can proceed to endat 910.

What has been described above includes examples of the subjectinnovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the subjectinnovation are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Specific embodiments of an innovation are disclosed herein. One ofordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the innovation mayhave other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodimentsand implementations are possible. The following claims are in no wayintended to limit the scope of the subject innovation to the specificembodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for”is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and aclaim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation“means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-functionelements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”.

Although the subject innovation has been shown and described withrespect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obviousthat equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to othersskilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of thisspecification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to thevarious functions performed by the above described elements (e.g.,enclosures, sides, components, assemblies, etc.), the terms (including areference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended tocorrespond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performsthe specified function of the described element (e.g., that isfunctionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to thedisclosed structure which performs the function in the hereinillustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the innovation. Inaddition, while a particular feature of the innovation may have beendescribed above with respect to only one or more of several illustratedembodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more otherfeatures of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageousfor any given or particular application. Although certain embodimentshave been shown and described, it is understood that equivalents andmodifications falling within the scope of the appended claims will occurto others who are skilled in the art upon the reading and understandingof this specification.

In addition, while a particular feature of the subject innovation mayhave been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations,such feature may be combined with one or more other features of theother implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any givenor particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms“includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” variants thereof, and othersimilar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims,these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising” as an open transition word without precluding anyadditional or other elements.

1. A portable foldable tray, comprising: a foldable housing comprisingat least a first section and a second section; one or more spinesconnecting the first section and the second section at one or more spinewidths; a foldable internal surface that overlaps a first internal sideof the first section and a second internal side of the second section,wherein the foldable internal surface folds along a portion thatcoincides with the one or more spines; and a cutaway retainer coupledwith the foldable internal surface that surrounds a plurality ofdisposable sheets, the cutaway retainer includes a cutaway portion thatfacilitates access to the plurality of disposable sheets.
 2. (canceled)3. The portable foldable tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofdisposable sheets are constructed of impermeable paper product.
 4. Theportable foldable tray of claim 1, the cutaway portion defines a usableportion of an eating surface.
 5. The portable foldable tray of claim 1,the first section and the second section include at least one fastenerfirst part, the foldable internal surface includes at least one fastenersecond part, the at least one fastener first part connects to the atleast one fastener second part to retain the foldable internal surfaceto the first section and the second section.
 6. The portable foldabletray of claim 1, further comprising at least one fixed retaining memberthat retains the foldable internal surface to the first section and thesecond section.
 7. The portable foldable tray of claim 6, the fixedretaining member is reconfigurable to allow removal and replacement ofthe foldable internal surface.
 8. The portable foldable tray of claim 1,further comprising a fold closure that secures the first section to thesecond section in a folded configuration.
 9. The portable foldable trayof claim 8, the fold closure includes at least a two-part fastener. 10.(canceled)
 11. The portable foldable tray of claim 1, wherein a firstexternal side of the first section is textured, and wherein a secondexternal side of the second section is textured.
 12. The portablefoldable tray of claim 1, further comprising one or more bumpers thatcontact on folding of the first section and the second section. 13.(canceled)
 14. The portable foldable tray of claim 12, furthercomprising a first set of legs and a second set of legs, the first setof legs folds around a first external end of the first section to layflat against the first section when stowed and the second set of legsfolds around a second external end of the second section to lay flatagainst the second section when stowed, the first section and the secondsection are in a folded configuration with the first set of legs and thesecond set of legs stowed.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The portable foldable trayof claim 1, further comprising at least one softening attachment affixedto one or more of the first section, the second section, and the one ormore spines.
 17. The portable foldable tray of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one additional section connected to at least asecond spine of the one or more spines.
 18. A method for making afolding tray, comprising: forming a folding tray housing including atleast a first half, a second half, and a spine; attaching one or morefasteners to the folding tray housing; and providing an insert thatoverlaps at least a portion of an interior side of the folding trayhousing.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising at least one ofwrapping or stacking a plurality of insert components coupled with theinsert.
 20. A system, comprising: a first folding tray component; asecond folding tray component; a first pair of insert fastenerssymmetrically affixed to an internal portion of the first folding traycomponent; a second pair of insert fasteners symmetrically affixed to aninternal portion of the second folding tray component; a first foldfastener affixed to an external edge of the first folding traycomponent; a second fold fastener affixed to an external edge of thesecond folding tray component configured to couple with the first foldfastener; a central spine symmetrically connecting the first foldingtray component and the second folding tray component; an insert shellincluding two pairs of mating fasteners configured to couple with thefirst pair of insert fasteners and second pair of insert fasteners; anda plurality of insert sheets configured to be stacked in the insertshell.
 21. A portable feeding surface, comprising: a first folding traycomponent; a second folding tray component; a spine connecting the firstfolding tray component and the second folding tray component, the spineincluding at least one flexible portion to permit movement of at leastone of the first folding tray component and the second folding traycomponent between a closed position where the first folding traycomponent overlaps at least a portion of the second folding traycomponent, and an open position where the first folding tray componentand second folding tray component lie flat; wherein the first foldingtray component and second folding tray component are joined to the spineto form an uninterrupted outer surface forming a contaminant barrier foran inner surface defined by the first folding tray component, the secondfolding tray component and the spine when in the open position; a firstinsert fastener affixed to an internal portion of the first folding traycomponent; a second insert fastener affixed to an internal portion ofthe second folding tray component; an insert shell covering at least aportion of the first folding tray component, second folding traycomponent and spine, the insert shell being configured to couple withthe first insert fastener and second insert fastener wherein the insertshell is removable therefrom; a first fold fastener affixed to anexternal edge of the first folding tray component; and a second foldfastener affixed to an external edge of the second folding traycomponent configured to couple with the first fold fastener to retainthe first folding tray component and second folding tray component inthe closed position.
 22. The portable feeding surface of claim 21,wherein the insert shell comprises a plurality of removable sheets in astacked configuration.
 23. The portable feeding surface of claim 21,wherein the insert shell includes insert shell fasteners that mate withfirst insert fastener and second insert fastener.
 24. The portablefoldable tray of claim 14, wherein the first set of legs and the secondset of legs secure the cutaway retainer when folded onto the foldableinternal surface.
 25. The portable foldable tray of claim 14, whereinone or more folds about which first set of legs and the second set oflegs rotate are formed of continuous impermeable material.